THURROCK Nub News is delighted to partner with Vets4Pets, which operates at the Pets at Home store at Lakeside Retail Park in West Thurrock, and we will be bringing regular features containing hints and advice about how to look after your family's pets.

In our first feature, written by Practice owner Dr Kishor Mahind MRCVS, we look at general awareness on vaccinations, neutering, microchipping, and dental health for pets.

Dog Health Care

Vaccination is a crucial part of preventive care for puppies and adult dogs. Puppies should begin their primary vaccination course between six and eight weeks of age.

This typically involves two to three injections administered two to four weeks apart, depending on the specific diseases prevalent in the local area. Some breeders may start the first round before puppies go to their new homes.

Once this initial course is completed, dogs require an annual booster vaccination to maintain their immunity. It's recommended to wait approximately two weeks after the final injection before allowing puppies into public spaces to ensure they are fully protected.

Vaccination appointments are more than just a simple injection. During these visits, the vet will perform a full clinical examination, including weighing the puppy and assessing overall health. It is also an opportunity for owners to discuss any behavioural concerns or health queries.

Most vaccinations are administered as a small injection under the skin between the shoulder blades. An exception is the kennel cough vaccine, which is given as a liquid squirt into the nostril and does not require a needle.

Neutering is commonly performed in the UK to prevent unwanted pregnancies and to reduce the risk of certain medical and behavioural issues.

In male dogs, neutering (castration) involves the surgical removal of the testicles under general anaesthesia.

Owners may choose this procedure for several reasons, including controlling population, reducing the risk of testicular cancer, managing certain behaviours like urine marking, or addressing undescended testicles, which carry a higher risk of tumour formation.

Castration can influence behaviours often linked to testosterone, such as roaming or dominance, but these behaviours may persist if they have become habitual.

It's important to note that behaviour is shaped by many factors—genetics, upbringing, environment, and individual personality—not just hormones.

The decision to neuter should be carefully considered, especially regarding the timing. While early castration may reduce the incidence of urine marking or separation distress, some studies suggest it may increase the likelihood of fear-based aggression.

Additionally, castration has been associated with a higher risk of certain conditions such as cruciate ligament injury, some types of cancer, and obesity, which in turn may predispose dogs to diabetes mellitus. For owners uncertain about the impact of castration, a temporary hormonal implant can simulate the effects of neutering. This allows observation of behavioural changes before committing to a permanent surgical procedure.

In female dogs, spaying traditionally involves the surgical removal of both the ovaries and uterus through an abdominal incision. However, laparoscopic (keyhole) spaying, where only the ovaries are removed, is becoming increasingly popular due to quicker recovery and reduced surgical trauma. Spaying eliminates the possibility of pregnancy and prevents the development of serious conditions such as pyometra (uterine infection) and ovarian tumours. It also significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer, particularly when performed before the first or second heat cycle.

There is ongoing debate regarding the best time to spay. Some advocate for early spaying, before the first season, to minimise cancer risk, while others prefer waiting until after the first season to allow the dog to mature hormonally.

The decision is highly individual and should be based on breed, size, health, and lifestyle. Though spaying generally contributes to longer life expectancy in female dogs, it is also associated with increased risks of urinary incontinence, joint disorders like hip dysplasia, and weight gain, all of which should be discussed with the vet before making a decision.

Dental care in dogs is often overlooked, yet dental disease is one of the most common problems seen in clinical practice.

By around seven months of age, a dog's adult teeth are fully erupted, and without regular cleaning, plaque and tartar can quickly build up. This leads to gingivitis—an inflammation of the gums—which can progress to periodontal disease. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, and behavioural changes due to pain. Annual dental check-ups are essential, and brushing your dog's teeth regularly with pet-safe toothpaste is the most effective preventive measure.

Most dental procedures, including scaling and extractions, require general anaesthesia to ensure thorough cleaning and pain-free treatment.

Cat Health Care

Cats also require routine vaccinations to protect against several potentially fatal infectious diseases, including feline herpesvirus, calicivirus, and panleukopenia, among others. Vaccination begins from 8 to 9 weeks of age, with a second injection three to four weeks later, followed by annual boosters. Even indoor cats benefit from vaccination, as many viruses are highly resilient and can be transmitted via clothing, shoes, or other objects.

Vaccination appointments also serve as an annual health assessment, providing an opportunity for the vet to identify any underlying issues early.

Neutering is advised for all cats not intended for breeding. Male cats (toms) undergo castration, where the testicles are surgically removed. This not only prevents reproduction but also reduces the likelihood of urine spraying, roaming, and territorial aggression. Female cats are typically spayed via an ovariohysterectomy (removal of ovaries and uterus), though ovariectomy (removal of ovaries only) is also an accepted practice.

Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies, eliminates the risk of pyometra, and significantly lowers the chance of developing mammary tumours. Recovery from neutering is usually swift, with most cats back to normal within a few days. Protective cones or body suits may be necessary to prevent interference with the surgical site during healing.

Dental disease is also prevalent in cats, partly because domesticated diets lack the natural abrasive textures of prey that would help clean teeth. Without regular cleaning, plaque and tartar can accumulate, leading to painful inflammation and tooth loss.

Common signs of dental issues in cats include bad breath, red or bleeding gums, drooling, difficulty eating, facial rubbing, and reduced grooming. Daily brushing using feline-friendly toothpaste is encouraged from kittenhood to establish a positive routine. Regular dental check-ups at the vet will help monitor oral health and identify problems early.

Microchipping is now mandatory for cats in the UK from June 2024. A microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades and contains a unique identification number.

This number links to an owner's contact details on a secure database. Unlike collars, which can be lost or removed, a microchip provides a permanent method of identification. Cats are naturally curious and prone to exploring, which increases the risk of becoming lost. Microchipping greatly improves the chances of being reunited if a cat strays or is mistaken for a stray. Owners must ensure their contact details on the microchip database remain up to date.

Rabbit Health Care

Vaccination is vital to protect rabbits from deadly diseases such as Myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD1 and RHD2). These diseases are often fatal and have no effective treatment. Fortunately, a single combined vaccine is now available and can be administered from seven weeks of age.

Full immunity develops within three weeks, and an annual booster is necessary to maintain protection. The vaccination appointment also includes a full health examination, allowing the vet to monitor your rabbit's general wellbeing and discuss any concerns.

Dental care is especially important in rabbits, as their teeth grow continuously throughout life. A diet consisting of at least 90% hay or grass is essential to help wear down the teeth naturally. If not managed, overgrown teeth can lead to painful conditions such as dental abscesses and malocclusion. Warning signs include reduced appetite, drooling, wet fur around the mouth or chin, facial swelling, and changes in grooming or toileting habits.

Early intervention is key to managing dental issues, and any rabbit that stops eating should be seen by a vet urgently.

Microchipping rabbits is strongly recommended, especially as they do not wear collars and can easily escape from hutches or gardens.

A person holding a rabbit

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The procedure is quick and similar to that used in cats and dogs. Once chipped, the rabbit's unique number is stored on a secure database and can be used to reunite lost pets with their owners. Some owners choose to microchip rabbits during spaying or neutering, but this should only be delayed if the rabbit is safely confined indoors.

Neutering is advised for all rabbits not intended for breeding. In males (bucks), castration involves removal of the testicles, while females (does) undergo spaying to remove the ovaries and uterus. Neutering not only prevents unwanted litters but significantly reduces the risk of uterine cancers in females, which are common in older rabbits.

It also improves temperament, reduces aggressive or hormonal behaviours, and promotes more harmonious bonding between rabbits, especially in mixed-sex or same-sex pairs. Rabbits can usually be neutered from four to five months of age, though some small males can be castrated earlier.

After surgery, they usually recover quickly and are sent home the same day. Post-operative care includes monitoring for wound interference and ensuring normal eating and toileting resume promptly.

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Thurrock Vets4Pets can be found inside Pets at Home, Lakeside Retail Park, Weston Avenue, West Thurrock, Essex. RM20 3LP.

Free parking is available.

Opening Hours

Vets4Pets bright, modern reception inside the Pets at Home store at Lakeside Retail Park

• Monday 09:00  -  19:00
• Tuesday 09:00  -  19:00
• Wednesday 09:00  -  19:00
• Thursday 09:00  -  19:00
• Friday 09:00  -  19:00
• Saturday 09:00  -  18:00
• Sunday 10:30  -  16:30

Telephone: 01708 689950

You can make appointments online via this link. Or print and use the form with this feature to get a discount.